When My Child Runs...




    As you child warms up to the classroom (or right off the bat), you may see him/her start to become more active in our large spaces, ie RUNNING! We staff often see looks of helplessness, frustration, embarrassment, or oblivion on the faces of parents :) Let us first say, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and we want to help make your experience at Kindermusik a joyful one for both you and your classmates. 

Here are a few tips:

Level 1 (ages 0-2.5): Once those little legs start moving, they just don't want to stop (and they get faster!) This is age appropriate. You have two jobs at this stage: 
  1. Moving WITH your child -- follow them, find ways to engage with class wherever they need to be: hold their hand, pick them up, and MODEL inhibitory control (the ability to STOP when you want to GO). This takes LOTS of practice at this stage. It's exhausting, we know, but so important and you will see the results in time, we promise! 
  2. Keeping everyone safe. If your child is causing themselves or others to be unsafe (ie unwilling to be slowed down by your presence), take them out of the classroom for a minute, take a few deep breaths yourself, and say, "we need to be safe in the classroom. You need to stay with mommy. Say, 'yes mom'" Even if they are pre-verbal, practice these skills. Then come back in! You may need to do that a few times, and that's ok! This is how they learn. You can do it!

Level 2 (ages 2.5-3.5): This is the stage when inhibitory control becomes evident and following simple commands is consistent. Group activities where everyone is doing similar things is more common. The skill of following a teacher (not just the parent) increases. For most children, using walking feet or running only when holding a hand is an age-appropriate expectation. It is ok to require that in this level. If your child will not slow down and is becoming unsafe, take them out of the classroom for a few breaths and give the command again of "using walking feet" (say what TO do instead of what NOT to do). Practice going slow in the hallway. And then come back to class!

Level 3 (ages 3.5-5): One of the indicators that a child is ready to move to level 3 is the ability to have physical self-control without the consistent presence of their parent. If your child is having trouble slowing down on their own or under the direction of their Level 3 teacher, our teachers will ask for your assistance.

Level 4-5 (ages 5-7): Children will have mastered this skill! :)

Please know, that one of our very favorite things to do is to work with you parents on how to make parenting more effective and easier. Please reach out to your instructor if you are feeling stuck or frustrated by your child's behavior.

Our teachers are trained in Conscious Discipline and use it in the classroom. We'd love for you to learn about this program too! Please let us know if you'd like more details.

See you in the classroom!

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